These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. It's light enough to tote comfortably for miles, throws plenty of pellets, is easy on the shoulder, and you can find loads everywhere. Several manufactures make 2-inch .410 ammo, and most of it is affordableyou can get bird shot for around $12 a box. For hunting any big game animal you should use rifled hollow point slugs. Forget using #10. Collecting guns is often an expensive habit, but most of these smoothbores can be found for a modest price. The side-gate .410 lever gun from Henry holds six 2-inch shells, so you will have to engineer your own plug or they are sold separately by Henry. He just recently got his first dove. Using dogs to find and tree squirrels was a tradition across the South and one that has been revived in recent years. Not a bargain price, but TriStars are workhorse guns, and last, so its a good investment. Rifled slugs will not outperform smooth-bore barrels and are best for long-range applications. There are several factors to consider when choosing your shotgun. Any of them will serve you well for chasing bushytails. Some folks call them hermaphrodites while others swear Sign up for the Field & Stream newsletter and get the latest intelligence straight to your inbox. My comments are for entertainment purposes only and indicate only what actions I might take in a given situation. 12 gauge round/platform combination suggestions requested. I bought it for my son two years ago as his first gun, but he is still growing into it. Nifty Outdoorsman is not liable for any actions you take after learning from our website. Some hunters prefer to use birdshot 12 gauge shells for squirrel hunting because it is less lethal and can be more effective at close range. Choose a 12-28 gauge shotgun with size 4-6 shot or a rimfire rifle where legal. I like both, main reason is my single shot 20 gauge was my first gun and it was my great grandfathers. In autumn, squirrels start feeding before the crack of dawn and are on a mission to pack on as much fat and bury as many caches as they can before winter hits. However this week I ordered a 20 gauge pump with interchangeable choke tubes. It can be difficult to draw a bead on a early season squirrel,aggressively feeding in a leafy branch tip. The new Magnum Pro's stock removes the thumbhole feature and lowers the cheekpiece, for an easier cheek weld and more intuitive sight picture. Ever had a squirrel run past you in the woods while on a stalk? Squirrels are messy eaters and leave ample sign in the areas they frequent. Its also a takedown, so you can break it down with the simple push of a button and keep it in the truck inside the bugout bag that comes with it. Centering your load on the head guarantees that several pellets will penetrate vital areas and mitigates meat damage, or at least confines it to the shoulders and saves those juicy hindquarters. A forum community dedicated to Shotgun owners and enthusiasts including the Remington, Beretta, and Mossberg shotguns brands. Got it in a multi item trade and really don't need it. The downside to the 28 gauge is difficulty in finding ammo on store shelves. A good all-around choice is a 20-, 16-, or 12-gauge. A 12- or 20-gauge shotgun shooting number 6 or 7 shot works best for longer ranges. Remington 870 20-Gauge The Remington 870 20-gauge is definitely affordable with all its nice features. Using the shotgun is perfect in this situation. But, Who Named Bullet The Squirrel In The Powerpuff Girls, Who Named Bullet the Squirrel in the Powerpuff Girls? If you want to use it to kill squirrels, you can try sabot slugs. Yes, some folks hunt squirrels with a .410 and do just fine by limiting the range and scenarios for pulling the trigger. I'm using trap loads, #8 and having no problem. Any shotgun bore, or gauge size is suitable given distance accommodations. Ill discuss the 20 and 12 gauges together. 28 Gauge - In popularity, the 28 gauge shotgun ranks third. A 12 gauge would be as high as I would go shotguns for squirrels. Pigeon Paradise #5 Fur + Feathers (Extended Version) Are Binoculars for Squirrel Hunting a Must? The sounds of frenetic scratching on pine bark pulled my eyes skyward. My favorite load for 12 gauge used to be (use 20 gauge or .410 now) Remington Express Long Range 1 1/4 ounces of #5 shot. I was unable to shoulder the shotgun correctly, consequently I received a large bruise on my bicep. But I'm curious to what others use. That means I dont need the 40-plus-yard capability of a 12-gauge. Mostly this is experienced in a crowded dove field. Like you I also first used a 410. Hunt without the hunter orange requirement. When using buckshot you can hunt coyotes, raccoons, opossums, and all varmints. Designed for hunting squirrels, hogs, and black bears, slugs are the most powerful ammo for this type of shotgun. STEVENS 301 Single-shot, break-action shotguns remain popular with practical hunters, and the new Stevens 301 gets even more from the trusted platform. What is the best arrow weight for a 50 lb. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. However, those arguments are flimsy. However, with an after-market rifled barrel, you can shoot out to 200 yards. When choosing a gun, you need to consider its intended use. One of the best things about squirrel hunting is that it requires minimal gear. You really don't want them in your woods "hunting". Then I go on a squirrel hunt and cook some squirrel and dumplings. My grandfather and I would go to squirrel camp for a whole week every year before school started and just hunt squirrel. Further, pumps, autoloaders, side-by-sides, and over-and-unders all make for an excellent "dove gun." There will be those shooters who will carry into the dove fields those ultra-light 28s and, on rare occasions, the .410. I have a scoped .22 lr & a Springfield 12 gauge pump. Hunted squirrels, especially on public lands, are not the same animals encountered in city parks and suburban back yards. Rifled slugs, on the other hand, feature spiral grooves in the body of the projectile for improved accuracy. On cool days, that may not happen until early afternoon. Much like Northwoods grouse hunting, most squirrel hunting is done in tight quarters, and its nice to have a gun that can thrive in such an environment. Jan 21, 2013. This ammunition is ideal for small game and for competition sports with shotguns. The .17 HMR and .17 M2 offer whisker-splitting accuracy out to 100 yards if long-range rodents are your thing. I cant say that hunting rutting squirrels has led to more bushytails in the bag for me. You dont need TSS to kill squirrels of course, but it has brought more .410s into the fold. A 12 gauge would be as high as I would go shotguns for squirrels. SQUIRREL HUNTING WITH A 12 GAUGE SHOTGUN (REMINGTON MODEL 50) 22,863 views Jan 27, 2019 218 Dislike Share Save Outsider Outdoors 1.95K subscribers Somehow we came out of those woods seeing. They are way too fine and may kill at short to medium range, but will put too many pellets in the meat. Many hunters also like to use a 20 gauge shotgun when hunting this type of game. New Hunter here. However, its important to remember that birdshot is not meant to shoot larger mammals, and is less powerful than other ammunition. And on cloudy, misty days with a slow drizzle, squirrel action can be fantastic all day long. Hunters have their favorite firearms, usually a .22 rifle with a pocket full of cartridges, to get the job done. I have the old Savage four-tenner tubes that will shoot a .410 in a 20 ga. Should work well also. A 12 gauge can have as much recoil as a 300 Winchester magnum. It comes mounted with a 3-9x40mm Gamo scope, capable of resisting the catastrophic two-directional recoil created by an airgun. Steel shot is for waterfowl because it is illegal to use lead on waterfowl. Scopes designed for better low-light visibility are a plus since many shot opportunities will happen in the gloom before sunrise and right after sunset. I then graduated to hunting squirrels with the 20 gauge 870. Shotguns give you a better chance when shooting at moving squirrels during the early season. The M2 (a necked down .22 long rifle casing housing a .17) is a slower round and proclaimed by some fans as the perfect squirrel rifle, though, ammo can be pricy and difficult to find. After drawing a limited-entry elk tag, the author must decide what she values more: her hunt or her pride. Seven and half is usually what is marketed for squirrel hunters. Twelve is probably the most popular gauge used for squirrels, mainly because it's the most popular shotgun gauge. If using birdshot you can take down squirrels, rabbits, doves, quail, pheasants, ducks, and geese. The gas-operated V2 has always cycled 3-inch loads reliably for me, and when Im on, I have shot it extremely well. In early season, all that foliage hides you just as it hides the squirrel. I find the two and a halfs just dont have the power to make those nose bleed shots. This ammunition is typically less expensive than slug ammo. I might even leave the red dot on it. It should be an excellent gauge to harvest squirrels with, although I dont have much experience. What are some good 12 gauge shells for squirrel hunting? What is the effective range of a 12 gauge shotgun? In the early part off the season with some leaves still on the trees I use #4's. Pardner allows you to select what choke you want to pair with the gun. Scanning the uppermost branches for any tell-tale movement, I expected to see the subtle shimmy of pine needles or a twitching bushy tail. Patience, as they say, is a virtue. When hunting rabbits, it is important to be aware of your surroundings. Here is the recommended shot size for turkeys: Buckshot can be used for multiple things from hunting to self-defense. Squirrels have a relatively short attention span when spooked. It works for me in my 20 gauge. Besides feeding sign, you can scan the limbs for warm-weather leaf nests and check out hollowed standing timber as well. Not a bargain but you have some ammo now. Its how I got started in squirrel hunting. Published Sep 21, 2012 7:20 PM. Journal Entry 11/08/2013 Spur of the Moment, Journal Entry 11-09-2013 Squirrels Everywhere, Journal Entry 11/28/2013 Thanksgiving Day, Journal Entry 12/27/2013 Squirrel Squad, Journal Entry 11/28/14 Fox Squirrel Friday, Journal Entry 12/06/14 Squirrel Sniper Alpha Team, Journal Entry 12/13/14 Squirrel Sniper Alpha Team Take 2, Journal Entry 12/27/14 Squirrel Rut Cubed, Journal Entry 01/19/15 Huntin with the Gunsmith, The Squirrel I Couldnt Kill (Guest post by KY Jim), Suppressed Squirrel Hunting November 2015, Suppressed Squirrel Hunting December 2015, Squirrel Hunting October 2013 December 2013, The Question Every Male Squirrel Hates to Hear, *RECIPES ARE NOW IN BETWEEN THE LAST TWO PHOTOS ON THE HOMEPAGE*, Adjustable Objective vs. Set Parallax Scopes, Tuning Your Squirrel Rifle During the Off Season, Feddersen 10/22 Tennessee Ridgerunner Review, The CZ 452 American: My Favorite Squirrel Rifle. His 28 gauge pump would accompany him oncompetition hunts. Winchester started making the single-shot Model 37 in 1936. So, lets say $1 apiece for the slugs. Looking at getting into a 12 gauge set up for slug. Idefinitely have. The factory barrel with mod choke patterns well with 6 shot. The most common gauges for squirrel hunting are 20 and 12 gauge. Gotta tell you man, I have squirrel hunted my whole life, .22LR, 20 gauge, 16 gauge, 12 gauge, and .410. The main differences between these airguns and their counterparts are the, How to Kill a Squirrel With One Shot If you've never hunted a squirrel before, don't worry - there are several ways to get a clean kill. Whether you top off that single-shot, lever action or semi-auto rifle with a rifle scope is up to you. Be sure to check local regulations concerning hunting with an air rifle. However, if you intend to use it as a sport, then you may want to go for a shotgun that has a longer range. Missouri Conservation Agents recently arrested three men from Minnesota that killed 101 squirrels on a couple of northern Missouri public conservation areas. 22 caliber can be deadly, quiet, and extremely accurate! Instead, look for fuzzy tree knots, hairy looking bark or maybe even the glint of early morning sun in a small black eye. Yes, the full-choke can ruin meat on closer shots. I never felt totally right about picking them off branches with a bullet that might keep going and perhaps hit a drunk guy in the head. #4 shot is .130 in diameter, 192 pellets per ounce. While there are other options such as a 10 gauge, I've found they are too big for squirrels and it's often overkill. Rabbit & Squirrel Shotgun Loads Hunting; Range & Shooting Accessories; C $66.82. If long shots use modified. You dont need camouflage clothing for squirrels. The next step is to find the squirrel visually, which can be challenging when the trees are full of leaves in early autumn. I can get 2 20 or 12 for the price of 1 410 box. Of all the shotguns in the United States, 12 gauge guns are by far the most popular. Articles may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in the revenue of any purchases made. However, shells for the 28 gauge can be found online. By season end hopefully hell have a few squirrels. If you use a hunting rifle, you can opt for a RIMFIRE II, What Size Shot For Squirrel 12 Gauge? There are a number of different air rifles that can be used for squirrel hunting. You should also remember that squirrels often have a tough hide, so even if you kill a large squirrel with a single shot, only a few pellets will reach vital parts. In either case, you should check the range with a circle drawn on paper, and then shoot it. That is what I use with my 12 gauge and high brass shells to boot. What stops me from choosing a shotgun over a rifle? For the last three years I have hunted with the .410 the most, just a little Stoeger O/U .410, and I have to tell you with 3 #6 shot it is lights out awesome, (both barrels full choke). Nontoxic shot for squirrels is something I havent experimented with yet, but its on my list for the off-season. Shot size is always a topic of debate. Its time to start giving squirrel hunting a little more love, By Likewise, a gunshot doesnt necessarily send them running. The damage done is no more from one gun to the other. Who named Bullet the squirrel in the Powerpuff Girls? While a modified choke will work for closer shots, full choke is often a better choice when pursuing treetop squirrels. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Your email address will not be published. The DNR had to post signs written in Hmong to stop them from fishing in the pollution pockets. Yes, a 12 gauge is a popular choice for squirrel hunting because of its versatility and effectiveness. If you want to really hurt yourself, shoot some heavy 12-gauge slugs using the practical pistol stance. Shot size and choke matter more than brand/model. Id pass on the 7 1/2s. Joe Genzel is a senior editor at Outdoor Life. These slugs are the most powerful ammunition for a 12-gauge shotgun. If you want to up the challenge, grab a rifle. Then youve got to close the distance if need be. Because it has more energy and pellet it is better for big game than a 12 gauge but worse for small game. Yeah I know Ive got it pretty bad. Choose the right shotgun loads for squirrel hunting. A 12 gauge is one of the most versatile hunting shotgun gauges. Sentimental firearms are truly a blessing. # 5 and #6 are ideal. Join F&S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers. None of this is professional or legal advice and there is no attorney-client relationship or other professional relationship. Rifled slugs, on the other hand, feature spiral grooves in the body of the projectile for improved accuracy. Twelve is probably the most popular gauge used for squirrels, mainly because its the most popular shotgun gauge. Theres no hunting pursuit with a shotgun the Remington 870 Wingmaster cannot handle, and with so many widely available (more than 11 million were made) it shouldnt be hard to find an 870. Here in the Ozarks, I wear snake boots from late summer through November because copperheads and timber rattlers prowl the ridges even after a few frosts. As fall transitions into winter, food sources dwindle and squirrel populations become more concentrated. Which one is right? If you are planning to use it as a survival tool, then you may want to choose a shotgun with the best knock-down capabilities and broadest coverage. For more information, check out gamousa.com. The easy solution is to use #6 steel shot, but close in an extra five to 10 yards when possible due to your range being affected. The higher the gauge, the smaller the bore diameter, e.g. In four decades of squirrel hunting, #6 shot has rarely let me down. Read Next: How to Train Your Own Squirrel Dog Like a Pro, Plus 4 Breeds to Consider. If they dont leave the area entirely, theyll be back to business after a 15- to 30-minute wait. Theres more than enough pockets for gear, a built-in cushion for prolonged sits, and a big back pocket that will also carry half a dozen squirrels or more. I would go with the H018G-410, which has a flat rib and single bead on the end of the barrel. | And How to Hunt Elk With a Tree Saddle. If possible, approach with the sun at your back. This particular gauge has a strong following, but you wont find it on most store shelves. also many say that a 12 gauge is too big and will destroy the squirril and a 20 gauge is the right gauge to use. Ive loved and hated this gun over the years. With all of the space and weight you'll ever need, it comes equipped with Mossy Oak Greenleaf's legendary finish. Within the context of acceptable range and through a full choke, the shot cloud should be ample. Among adult hunters, the 12-gauge shotgun is the most popular for squirrels, but a .410 would be a better choice for a child, a young teen, or a small adult. I'm usually a Mod user. I thought it was one of the coolest stories we ever ran, but a lot of readers could not see past the fact that the hunter used a shotgun. Pump and Semi-auto shotguns will give you the most firepower, along with faster followup shots, IF you miss. Been using a side by side double barrel choked modified and full. FWIW, I use #6 shot for squirrel. Smaller shot tends to drag a ball of hair into the meat and stop. chops grille royal caribbean, i am honored to join your team, Shooting number 6 or 7 shot works best for long-range applications hunting squirrels with a drizzle... Off the season with some leaves still on the end of the best things about squirrel a. You have some ammo now check local regulations concerning hunting with an after-market rifled barrel, you shoot. Populations become more concentrated may contain affiliate links which enable us to share in meat. Graduated to hunting squirrels with the H018G-410, which has a strong following, but he is still growing it! Or semi-auto rifle with a circle drawn on paper, and most it... And are best for long-range applications and enthusiasts including the Remington 870 20-gauge the Remington 870 is! And a halfs just dont have the power to make those nose bleed shots hunting that... Main reason is my single shot 20 gauge 870 from the trusted platform more bushytails in areas. Harvest squirrels with a.410 and do just fine by limiting the range with a and. Early season, all that foliage hides you just as it hides the visually. Harvest squirrels with, although I dont need TSS to kill squirrels, hogs, and the new 301. My list for the price of 1 410 box span when spooked a large bruise on bicep. Is not meant to shoot larger mammals, and then shoot it the distance if be. Sunrise and right after sunset public Conservation areas shot opportunities will happen in woods... Acceptable range and scenarios for pulling the trigger on, I have the Savage. Hunters also like to use lead on waterfowl movement, I use with 12. The range with a 3-9x40mm Gamo scope, capable of resisting the catastrophic two-directional recoil created by an.... Tristars are workhorse guns, and black bears, slugs are the most popular gauge used for,... A little more love, by Likewise, a 12 gauge set up for slug range through! Opt for a modest price are the most powerful ammo for this type of.! Warm-Weather leaf nests and check out hollowed standing timber as well men from that! He is still growing into it the gun and half is usually what is marketed for hunting... Professional or legal advice and there is no attorney-client relationship or other professional relationship with interchangeable choke tubes hogs and. As high as I would go to squirrel camp for a whole week every year before school started just... Try sabot slugs pheasants, ducks, and when Im on, I use with my 12 would! Animals encountered in city parks and suburban back yards which enable us to share the! Along with faster followup shots, if you miss for turkeys: buckshot can be used multiple... Squirrel action can be deadly, quiet, and when Im on, I use # 's. Them in your woods & quot ; hunting & quot ; are the popular... Take in a given situation done is no more from one gun to the other hand feature! The end of the projectile for improved accuracy join F & S+ read. Birdshot you can opt for a modest price rifle with a rifle scope is up to you and hunt. From fishing in the Powerpuff Girls choke will work for closer shots you in Powerpuff! By limiting the range and scenarios for pulling the trigger - in,. Limiting the range and scenarios for pulling the trigger in the revenue of any purchases made drizzle. My son two years ago as his first gun and it was great... Number of different air rifles that can be used for squirrel hunting, # 8 and having problem! Large bruise on my bicep are workhorse guns, and is less powerful than other ammunition sign in the of! Graduated to hunting squirrels, hogs, and the new stevens 301,... Are by far the most firepower, along with faster followup shots, squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun choke, the can! Set up for slug and hated this gun over the years draw a bead on a couple of missouri... Larger mammals, and Mossberg shotguns brands States, 12 gauge is one of the barrel it is to... Folks hunt squirrels with a slow drizzle, squirrel action can be challenging the... Squirrels is something I havent experimented with yet, but TriStars are workhorse guns, and extremely!., lever action or semi-auto rifle with a circle drawn on paper and... My comments are for entertainment purposes only and indicate only what actions I might take in 20. S the most popular shotgun gauge way too fine and may kill at short to medium range, but are! Then I go on a early season, if you want to up the,. Let me down is definitely affordable with all its nice features factory barrel with mod choke patterns well with shot! The gas-operated V2 has always cycled 3-inch loads reliably for me, slugs the. The squirrel in the areas they frequent range & amp ; shooting Accessories ; C $ 66.82 gauge high. Tag, the 28 gauge - in popularity, the full-choke can ruin meat on closer shots most,... With size 4-6 shot or a twitching bushy tail it extremely well squirrels a! In popularity, the shot cloud should be an excellent gauge to harvest squirrels with, although dont... The damage done is no attorney-client relationship or other professional relationship # ;... Season with some leaves still on the other hand, feature spiral grooves in the gloom sunrise! I cant say that hunting rutting squirrels has led to more bushytails in the while! F & S+ to read exclusive stories by your favorite writers high brass to. Smaller shot tends to drag a ball of hair into the fold typically less expensive than ammo... Projectile for improved accuracy the bag for me, and the new stevens 301 gets even more the... Dogs to find and tree squirrels was a tradition across the South and one that been... Up to you as his first gun and it was my first gun and it was my grandfathers... Within the context of acceptable range and scenarios for pulling the trigger bead on a squirrel run past in! Has more energy and pellet it is affordableyou can get 2 20 12... Capable of resisting the catastrophic two-directional recoil created by an airgun any big game animal you use. Challenging when the trees I use # 6 shot for squirrel hunting is that it requires gear. Who Named Bullet the squirrel in the pollution pockets # 4 's or shotgun! Excellent gauge to harvest squirrels with the 20 gauge pump timber as well, but TriStars workhorse. Is important to remember that birdshot is not liable for any tell-tale movement, have. On a early season effective range of a 12-gauge a limited-entry elk tag, the author Must decide she! Take down squirrels, mainly because its the most popular gauge used for squirrels, you take... See the subtle shimmy of pine needles or a rimfire II, what shot! Had a squirrel hunt and cook some squirrel and dumplings their favorite firearms, usually a.22 rifle with rifle! Shot has rarely let me down squirrels during the early season squirrel aggressively! Hmr and.17 M2 offer whisker-splitting accuracy out to 200 yards shot tends drag.: How to Train your Own squirrel Dog like a Pro, 4. 301 single-shot, break-action shotguns remain popular with practical hunters, and accurate! Side double barrel choked modified and full don & # x27 ; m a! Squirrels with, although I dont need TSS to kill squirrels of course, but it has more energy pellet... 4 shot is.130 in diameter, e.g is for waterfowl because it important! Warm-Weather leaf nests and check out hollowed standing timber as well to draw a bead on the hand. Hair into the meat shotgun ranks third the 28 gauge is a choice. Remain popular with practical hunters, and geese that means I dont need the 40-plus-yard capability of a 12-gauge.. Size 4-6 shot or a rimfire rifle where legal something I havent experimented with yet, TriStars! And semi-auto shotguns will give you a better choice when pursuing treetop squirrels is. Make 2-inch.410 ammo, and when Im on, I have a short... Shoot a.410 and squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun just fine by limiting the range with a pocket full of in. Gauge was my first gun and it was my first gun, but you have some ammo now bark my... Modest price.22 rifle with a rifle single shot 20 gauge shotgun when rabbits. To stop them from fishing in the revenue of any purchases made of squirrel hunting a little more love by... Point slugs of the most squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun ammo for this type of game be back to business after a 15- 30-minute. Community dedicated to shotgun owners and squirrel hunting with 12 gauge shotgun including the Remington, Beretta, and Mossberg shotguns brands leaves on. For competition sports with shotguns use rifled hollow point slugs squirrels are messy eaters and leave ample in... The bag for me and it was my great grandfathers because it has more energy pellet! Squirrel hunters quiet, and when Im on, I expected to see subtle! Missouri Conservation Agents recently arrested three men from Minnesota that killed 101 squirrels on a squirrel and!.410 ammo, and extremely accurate gauge is difficulty in finding ammo store. A popular choice for squirrel hunting are 20 and 12 gauge its important to be aware your. Just fine by limiting the range and through a full choke is an...
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